There is hardly any email client that is as efficient as Microsoft Outlook. Its seamless integration with MS Word makes this email management application a name synonymous with work communication. But what is the strength of Outlook? Well, the operational efficiency of this application depends principally on its file formats—OST and PST. While the former is Offline Storage Table (.ost), the latter is a Personal Storage Table (.pst). Both file formats are entrusted with the task of mailbox data management. But the responsibilities are different. OST files are responsible to assure offline access to the user, while the PST files are for basically used for archiving and backup of the mailbox content.
It may be noted that only PST files are portable as compared to OST file that are encrypted by default with a MAPIEntriID GUID key. The user can’t even access an Outlook data file (.ost) from a different environment. However, certain circumstances like inaccessible .ost file, server maintenance or crash demand conversion of OST to PST files. Microsoft has not provided any tool to convert an OST file to PST format directly. There are some manual approaches that we will discuss in this article. In addition to this, we will also explore how to save Outlook emails using OST to PST converter. Additionally, we will also shed light on the need to recreate OST file to restore data integrity.
Manual Methods to Save Outlook Emails:
In this part of the article, we will explore some manual methods to save Outlook mailbox data stored in an OST file. We have already discussed that Microsoft doesn’t provide any tool to directly convert an OST to PST file format. But there are some methods that are listed below:
Method 1: Archiving Method: This method works on the principle of smaller things can be better managed. It is a proactive approach, which aims at mailbox optimization by preventing piling up of the data in a file. The step-by-step guide is listed below:
- Open the Outlook application.
- Navigate to the ‘File’ menu and then click the ‘Archive’ tab.
- Now choose the ‘File’ or ‘Folder’ that needs to be archived.
- Now provide the location path where the archived file is to be saved.
- Hit the ‘Finish’ tab to conclude the process.
Method 2-Import/Export Wizard: It is another method to export OST mailboxes to PST format. Proceed with the below steps.
- First of all, log in to the Outlook profile linked with the Exchange account, which created the OST file.
- Navigate to the Files >Open & Export and press ‘Import/ Export’ option.
- After this, select the ‘Export to a file’ option from dropdown, then hit on the ‘Next’ tab.
- Choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) option to export file, then press the ‘Next’ tab.
- Select the targeted folders and sub-folders that need to be exported, and click ‘Next.
- Provide the path of the folder in which you want to save the new PST files. Mark Replace duplicates with items exported option. Conclude the process by hitting the ‘Finish’ tab.
How to Save Outlook Emails Using OST to PST Converter?
The above-discussed methods discussed above are manual in nature. And, relying solely on them may not be a great idea as any wrong step by the user while performing process actions may lead to the data loss. Additionally, these methods are also time-consuming. In such a scenario, it is better to employ a third-party tool for the conversion task. Using an OST to PST converter is a better idea as it ensures seamless access to the mailbox data stored in the file. One such tool is Stellar Converter for OST. It is compatible to all Outlook versions. This software quickly extracts data from OST files. It converts Outlook data file (.ost) to PST in just three steps.
- Step 1: Select the targeted OST file
- Step 2: Convert the file
- Step 3: Save the file
Benefits of Stellar Converter for OST:
- It efficiently converts the inaccessible OST file to PST, which the user can then import to the Exchange server and access in the Outlook application.
- Conversion using this software is not only secured, but also there is no need for technical expertise that is needed in manual methods.
- User has to recreate OST file. However, Stellar Converter for OST extracts the data from OST files even when the mailbox is no longer active on the server.
- This converter software efficiently converts even large OST files to PST format.
- The software also promises that the converted mailbox data is properly managed and accessible.
- This converter tool identifies OST files automatically, which eliminates the need for the manual search.
- It offers a free preview of the converted mailbox items in the PST file.
- The software is available in 3 different editions-Corporate, Technician and Toolkit.
Conclusion
Sometimes, we need to convert the highly-encrypted OST file to PST format. One of the instances where such conversion is required is when the OST file becomes inaccessible. It generally happens when the Outlook data file (.ost) file fails to synchronize with the Exchange server owing to connectivity errors or some server issues. We have discussed some manual approaches viz- Archive Method and the Import/ Export Wizard. These are purely manual methods and may fail while converting an oversized, orphaned, or inaccessible file. We have also explored a quick approach using an OST to PST converter tool like Stellar Converter for OST. It is reliable, fast and efficient enough to convert even an oversized or inaccessible file rapidly. It maintains the original file’s integrity and offers a free preview feature of the converted PST.